Colorado: Deion Sanders' future at Colorado is facing renewed questions after the Buffaloes dropped to 2-3 on the season with a 29-7 loss to Texas Tech on Saturday.

ESPN college football analyst Paul Finebaum believes the defeat could signal the end of Sanders' tenure in Boulder, describing the situation as potentially reaching its conclusion during an appearance on The Matt Barrie Show.

Also Read - Former Yale Football Coach Tony Reno Dies at 52

Finebaum pointed to Colorado's final sequence against Texas Tech, when the Buffaloes' quarterback threw a pick-six from his own end zone, as a particularly damaging image for the program.

The loss came during Sanders' fourth season at Colorado, a stage that can become an important point in a college football coach's tenure.

Finebaum Questions Sanders' Future

Finebaum said he initially questioned Colorado's decision to hire Sanders and felt the program was too far removed from the coach's traditional base. He acknowledged that he was wrong about the move for a period of time because Sanders and Colorado were able to build momentum around the program.

Also Read - Terry Bradshaw Takes Aim at NFL Quarterback Salaries as Top QBs Earn More Than $50 Million

However, Finebaum now believes managing the Colorado program remains a difficult challenge.

He also expressed regret over the possibility of Sanders' tenure ending, saying he has developed greater respect and admiration for the former NFL star in recent years.

Also Read - NFL Fan’s Viral Game-Day Outfit Draws Attention at Eagles Stadium

Three Potential Replacements Identified

If Colorado ultimately decides to move on from Sanders, the source identifies three coaches as potential candidates: UNLV head coach Dan Mullen, Houston head coach Willie Fritz and New Mexico head coach Jason Eck.

Mullen brings previous experience as a head coach at Mississippi State and Florida. He led UNLV to a 10-4 record in 2025, while the Runnin' Rebels have started the current season 3-2.

The source suggests Mullen's experience at the highest level of college football, combined with his time coaching in the West, could make him a candidate if Colorado were to pursue a change.

Willie Fritz Brings Experience and Immediate Results

Houston head coach Willie Fritz is another name mentioned as a potential option.

Fritz has previously had success at Tulane before taking over at Houston. At 66, his experience could appeal to a program looking for an immediate change rather than a lengthy rebuilding project.

The source also highlights the difference in compensation between Fritz and Sanders, noting that Sanders is making around $10 million per year while Fritz is making $4.5 million.

Jason Eck Could Be a Rising Candidate

New Mexico head coach Jason Eck is the third name identified as a potential replacement.

Eck has New Mexico off to a 4-1 start this season after the program finished 9-4 in 2025. The source describes him as one of the brightest coaching minds in the sport and suggests he could attract interest from multiple programs.

Colorado could potentially be among those interested if the school decides to make a coaching change.

For now, the source does not establish that Colorado has decided to fire Sanders. The immediate question remains whether the Buffaloes can change the direction of their season or whether the current struggles will lead to a larger decision about the program's future.